EMOTIONAL WIN FOR EON'S CONNECTIONS IN 1*

Photo by Eye Witness Images

Emotional Win For Eon's Connections in 1*

Eon’s victory in the Horselands CIC1* at the Kihikihi International Horse Trial was particularly special for owner Kate Herdson.
The 17-year-old from Auckland gave her new neighbour and trainer Dannie Lodder the ride on the horse she owns with her mum Ingrid after being diagnosed with major bone infection in her knee.
Lodder and Eon, who was bred by Sarah Milne, were third after the dressage, second after the cross country and a lovely clear in the showjumping gave them the win.
Overnight leader Alex Anderson (Taupo) and Gina VT Bloemenhof had an expensive two rails to slip just off the podium and finish in fourth place.
. Lodder has had just three starts on the horse, notching a fourth in the novice at Rotorua, followed by a second at Puhinui in the 1* and now the win.
“It was quite an emotional win for everyone,” said Lodder, “and a very nice way to start the day!”
She describes Eon as “a kid’s best first hack”.
“He jumped like a little super freak today,” she said. “I have always thought him to be very talented.”
And their outing at Kihikihi had been like one big schooling session for the horse.
“Each start we have done together he’s just got better and better. He’s a good jumper all round.”
Lauren Currie (Lower Hutt) and Rockdon Wildfire came up for second, with Cella Toyne (Bay of Plenty) on Scottish Ladd moved to third.